Sarasota's Best Places to Propose

Sarasota men, listen up. While your love and devotion are important to your soon-to-be fiance', you need to "wow" her with the proposal. While I cannot help you with how you do it, here are my recommendations for Sarasota's best spots to propose.

If the love of your life is a foodie, one of Sarasota's best places to propose is a romantic restaurant:

The Colony Dining Room at the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort (www.colonybeachresort.com) on Longboat Key is a Sarasota icon and an ideal place to propose. Massive windows frame the powdery white sands of the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. While dinner and the extensive wine list are treats, consider proposing during the spectacular Sunday Brunch. Reservations are recommended. (941) 383-6464.

Siesta Key's Ophelia's on the Bay (www.opheliasonthebay.net) tops the list with its intimate setting by the water, New World cuisine and attentive wait staff. Enjoy the evening on the deck by candlelight or request to be tucked away in a private corner. Reservations are recommended. (941) 349-2212.

Vernona in The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota (www.ritz-carlton.com) makes a nice place to propose with its warm, cozy and elegant atmosphere. Entrees are artistically synthesized from fresh ingredients to create savory goodness in every bite. If you don't pop the question during dinner, wander outside to the balcony overlooking The Ritz-Carlton's Rose Garden and Sarasota Bay. Reservations are recommended. (941) 309-2000.

If the woman of your dreams is a cultural diva, one of Sarasota's best places to propose is at the destination's cultural icons:

She'll definitely say "I do" when you propose at the Venetian-inspired Ca'd'Zan Mansion on the grounds of the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art (www.ringling.org). This is the winter home of John and Mable Ringling (of circus fame) and while the interior is gorgeous, the Ca'd'Zan's patio overlooking Sarasota Bay makes an ideal proposal location. Or, wander the museum grounds and propose in one of the three gardens: the elegant Rose Garden, the quirky Dwarf Garden or the secluded Secret Garden. The Courtyard of the Museum dotted with sculptures and lush greenery makes a nice proposal site, too.

Take your bride-to-be to the Van Wezel Performance Arts Hall (www.vanwezel.org) for an evening of entertainment, romance and surprise. Following the performance, wander the sidewalk and propose to her on that bench overlooking Sarasota Bay and under the stars. Or, follow the sidewalk towards Hyatt Sarasota and propose on the boardwalk spanning the estuary.

If her idea of culture is shopping, take her to St. Armands Circle (www.starmandscircleassoc.com), grab an ice cream cone from Kilwin's and propose to her in the center of the Circle. Tucked away are benches and the tropical foliage creates a romantic backdrop, perfect for your intimate moment.

If your soul mate is a wild babe, one of Sarasota's best places to propose is outdoors:

One of the best places to propose is on the beach. What can be more romantic than strolling down Siesta Key Beach at sunset and asking her, "Will you marry me?" Or, another place to propose is while digging for fossilized sharks teeth at Venice's Caspersen Beach. Scoop up a handful of sand, slip in the engagement ring (when she's not looking) and really "wow" her with what you've "found."

If she has her sea legs, take her out on a sailboat for a sunset sail or if she's a landlubber, have an intimate walk around Marina Jack's docks. Maybe she's the kayaking type. Arrange for a paddle at Myakka River State Park and propose while the alligators look on from the banks. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (www.selby.org) is romantic place to propose. There's the gazebo, the Mangrove Walkway and the Butterfly Garden, to name a few.

Guys, you now have a list of Sarasota's best places to propose, it's up to you to make it happen.